Performing maintenance service at roadside presents significant challenges. Working outside along the roadways or in parking lots presents dangers that are unique to those situations, which are not always addressed when training for working in the shop. Uneven terrain, inclement weather, different types of surfaces, traffic patterns, and animal interaction are just some challenges the road service technician must face. 

Equipment users/fleets expect to be able to return a down unit to service in a timely manner without purchasing unneeded components, paying for wasted labor, or risking another related equipment failure due to inaccurate/incomplete troubleshooting. What’s more, technicians working on the roadside performing emergency breakdown service or in a parking lot performing scheduled mobile maintenance are often working alone and must take extra precautions to work safely. 

Tire service at roadside presents its own set of unique challenges. The tire road service vehicle, for example, must be adequately equipped to handle whatever repairs are needed to get the vehicle operational. Cutting corners in equipment and supplies at best will be inefficient, and at worst, can be deadly. 

Proper procedures must also be known and followed to ensure timely and safe repairs. ATA’s Technology & Maintenance Council has developed the industry’s best collection of recommended practices covering the service, repair and maintenance of tires and wheels. During this session, panelists will review what fleets should know when it comes to roadside servicing of tire and wheel systems. We’ll review repair procedures, tooling, lifting and jacking, and other safety-related practices every technician should know when performing a road service call on tires and wheels for commercial vehicles. We’ll also cover proper tire specification and maintenance to minimize roadside breakdowns, as well as what information should be gathered when the roadside calls come in so as to ensure an efficient, effective repair.

Moderators

  • Todd Stout (Publix Supermarket, Inc.)
  • Patricia Meisenholder (Advance Wheel Sales)

Speakers

  • Chelsea Ponzo (Continental Tire)
  • Mike McDonald (B-H Transfer)
  • Dan Lanham (McCarthy Tire)

Speaker

Todd Stout
Todd Stout
Fleet Maintenance Superintendent, Publix Supermarkets, Inc.